Optometry meetings and conferences are great for CE, but that’s not the only reason to attend — mingle with peers, discuss current challenges, and regain a sense of community and connection to your profession. It’s invigorating!
Notes: A few of the events in the back half of 2026 are TBD on details. We’ll update as appropriate and reshare to keep you in the loop. We’d also recommend subscribing to our weekly newsletter, which always includes a list of virtual CE sessions on a variety of topics.
JANUARY 2026
Global Specialty Lens Symposium (GSLS) 2026
Dates: January 7 – 10, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
GSLS focuses on the latest innovations in specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, ortho-K, and myopia management. Attendees can benefit from workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with global experts.
Island Eyes Conference 2026
Dates: January 18 – 24, 2026
Location: Waimea, Hawaii
Hosted by Pacific University, this conference offers up to 30 COPE-accredited hours of continuing education, featuring renowned educators and a half-day schedule to allow attendees to enjoy Hawaii’s attractions.
The Vision Council 2026 Executive Summit
Dates: January 26 – 28, 2026
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
A posh event that brings together industry leaders for several days of high-level networking and leadership development. This year’s gathering, themed “Vision 2030,” boasts programming designed to inspire and equip you not only for the coming year, but to streamline your strategy for the next five.
MIDO Eyewear Show 2026
Dates: January 31 – February 2, 2026
Location: Milan, Italy
MIDO is one of the world’s largest international eyewear trade shows, featuring over 1,200 exhibitors and attendees from more than 160 countries. You can expect to see the latest eyewear collections, technological innovations, and industry trends.
FEBRUARY 2026
Eyeball Palm Springs 2026
Date: February 19 – 22, 2026
Location: Palm Springs, California
Here’s a chic, curated event combining eyewear fashion, creativity, and continuing education. Brett Cates, co-creator, is “deeply passionate about independent eyewear and the rejection of corporate influence in both art and eyewear.”
EnVision Summit 2026
Dates: February 13 – 16, 2026
Location: Río Grande, Puerto Rico
This summit is intentionally family-friendly and offers continuing education in ophthalmology and optometry, featuring clinical discussions, mentoring, and research collaborations.
Tropical CE: St. Lucia
Dates: February 14 – 21, 2026
Location: St. Lucia
Learn and unwind at an adults-only luxury retreat on St. Lucia’s Caribbean coast, with breathtaking views of mountains, sunsets, and volcanic beaches. Tropical CE offers destination education administered under the auspices of the Rosenberg School of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word. The University reviews and endorses all course materials, speakers, and presentations. See other 2026 Tropical CE destinations here.
SECO 2026
Dates: February 25 – March 1, 2026
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
SECO 2026 is a premier event for optometry professionals, covering the latest in laser and surgical applications, aesthetics, artificial intelligence, patient care, and practice success. Attendees can earn over 40 hours of CE throughout the event.
MARCH 2026
The Frame Affair 2026
Dates: March 5 – 7, 2026
Location: New York City, New York
Curated as “a luxury art gallery,” this eyewear show creates a space where independent designers and visionary artisans converge to showcase the finest in eyewear craftsmanship. Think immersive brand storytelling, upscale cuisine and drinks, and a luxury fashion show. Registration is free.
EYECON 2026
Dates: March 6 – 8, 2026
Location: New York City, New York
EYECON is another luxury eyewear show in NYC this week. Exclusive product launches, trend insights, creative exhibitions, and engaging panel discussions will explore innovations shaping the eyewear industry.
Vision Expo 2026
Dates: March 11 – 14, 2026
Location: Orlando, Florida
Where eyewear, education, fashion, and innovation mingle. Join eyecare professionals, buyers, influencers, and technology leaders in Orlando (remember: Vision Expo consolidated East and West and this is now the sole event for the year). Tip: Also consider the 2026 VM Leadership Summit happening in Orlando on 3/11.
AOA on Capitol Hill | AOA Federal Keypersons Summit
Dates: March 15 – 17, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C.
The American Optometric Association’s annual advocacy event moves to March in 2026. This event includes advocacy training, legislative briefings, and opportunities to make a direct impact on policy. The dynamic and focused summit is intended to leverage AOA Federal Keyperson relationships with their U.S. Senate and House members. You might also consider the Aesthetics & Practice Growth Workshop, which the AOA will be hosting in D.C. at this time, too.
New Technologies and Treatments in Eye Care Spring 2026
Dates: March 27– 28, 2026
Location: Carlsbad, California
The most up-to-date research, clinical insights, and technologies shaping the future of eye care. Distinguished faculty will deliver engaging sessions on dry eye, ocular surface disease, refractive management, glaucoma, and retina, along with other emerging challenges and innovations in clinical practice. Join for interactive Q&A sessions, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities.
APRIL 2026
20th Annual Controversies in Modern Eye Care
Date: April 19, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, California
This meeting’s goal is to encourage a dialogue between ODs and ophthalmic surgeons in order to optimize patient care. The meeting brings together top optometry and surgical ophthalmology experts to share clinical insights and advances in eye care, allowing learners to update their diagnostic, monitoring, and disease management and practice management skills. Topics will include updates in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, dry eye disease, presbyopia, and diabetic macular edema.
MAY 2026
OEC Abroad
Dates: May 20 – 22, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
While outstanding clinical education is important, Optometric Education Consultants feels that the experience is just as important. They design conferences to allow attendees flexibility in getting continuing education (15 hours in three days) and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding area. See other OEC 2026 destination CE locations here.
JUNE 2026
International Congress of Scleral Contacts (ICSC) 2026
Dates: June 5 – 6, 2026
Location: San Diego, California
ICSC 2026 offers interactive panels, hands-on workshops, and educational tracks tailored for both experienced and new scleral lens practitioners. Tackle the most perplexing challenges and broach emerging scleral lens trends.
Optometry’s Meeting 2026
Dates: June 17 – 20, 2026
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Optometry’s Meeting is the annual event for AOA & AOSA members, with all manner of education, innovative and future-looking conversations, career development, and leadership opportunities. Welcoming of optometrists, paraoptometric professionals, and optometry students alike.
JULY 2026
CE in the Rockies
Dates: July 9 – 12, 2026
Location: Estes Park, Colorado
Join the University of Houston College of Optometry for an unforgettable continuing education conference with a view. Earn essential CE credits while immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
2026 NOA National Convention
Dates: July 8 – 12, 2026
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Optometrists, students, and industry leaders come together for 14 hours of continuing education, invaluable networking, and engaging social experiences — all designed to advance eye care in underserved communities.
AUGUST 2026
AACO Annual Conference
Dates: August 21 – 22, 2026
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
The American Association of Corporate Optometrists will host two days of CE, networking with corporate optometrists just like you, and 22+ exhibitors. More details to come!
OEC Northern Escape
Dates: August 21 – 23, 2026
Location: Quebec, Canada
While outstanding clinical education is important, Optometric Education Consultants feels that the experience is just as important. They design conferences to allow attendees flexibility in getting continuing education (15 hours in three days) and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding area. See other OEC 2026 destination CE locations here.
SEPTEMBER 2026
SILMO PARIS
Dates: September 25 – 28, 2026
Location: Paris, France
If you’re looking for an excuse to get to Europe, this annual trade show welcomes professionals of the optical and eyewear sector (opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, manufacturers…). Discover major innovations, tomorrow’s trends, emerging talent, collection and product launches, as well as the excellence of expertise.
Academy 2026 Anaheim
Dates: September 30 – October 3, 2026
Location: Anaheim, California
Hosted by the American Academy of Optometry, this major annual conference brings together optometrists, vision scientists, and students for comprehensive continuing education and the latest research in optometry.
Note: The Optometric Glaucoma Society Annual Meeting usually coincides with Academy. 2026 dates are TBD, but we’ll update here as info comes out.
OCTOBER 2026
Vision By Design 2026
Dates: October 21 – 24, 2026
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
This American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (AAOMC) conference focuses on orthokeratology, myopia control, and specialty contact lenses. You can engage in lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities designed for both experienced practitioners and those new to the field.
2026 NORA Conference
Dates: October 22 – 26, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA
The Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, International (NORA) Annual Conference is the premier event for neurorehabilitation professionals committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by traumatic brain injury and other neurological conditions. More details to come on the 2026 conference.
NOVEMBER 2026
MOD Live! 2026
Dates: TBD
Location: TBD
Presented by Modern Optometry, this event focuses on the evolving field of medical eye care, offering insights and education for optometrists adapting to new clinical practices. You’ll learn about practical tips for diagnosing and treating tricky cases, strategies to optimize patient outcomes, and evolving technologies affecting day-to-day practice.
Optometric Management Symposium
Dates: TBD
Location: TBD
At this premier event for clinical, business, and retail management education, you’ll earn CE credits, network with peers, and gain insights that you can bring back to your practice.
DECEMBER 2026
West Coast Optometric Glaucoma Symposium
Date: December 5 – 6, 2026
Location: La Jolla, California
Case presentations, Q&A sessions, and literature analysis highlighting critical themes, new developments, and treatments in glaucoma. Experts will share the latest data, research, and practical knowledge. The esteemed faculty will dive deep into all aspects of glaucoma and weigh in on treatments that directly combat glaucoma in your patients.
